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Hola Expats in Chile!!!

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MDGringo
  3/31/2016 11:22 EST

Just signed up on this forum today.

My wife and I visited Chile last fall, and we are set to come again in early Sept.

Last time, we visited Santiago, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, and wineries not too far from those places. We want to go to the mountains next time and a few other places.

At some point on our next trip, we would love to visit with Americans living in Chile, because we are considering relocating to Chile ourselves. We could meet you at a restaurant and buy you (and your family if applicable) lunch/dinner for your troubles.

Anyone available in early September in the capital region (or a couple hours drive nearby)?

Thanks,
Jason and Susanna

victoriaa
  4/2/2016 13:55 EST

Hi Jason and Susanna, I am visiting Chile for the second time myself with the same mindset as you. I would love to chat privately.
There was an option here to "e-mail poster privately", but for some reason I do not see it here today.

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JerryinBA
  4/2/2016 20:34 EST

Not too many years ago, I knew a Canadian woman who lived in Santiago with her husband. She spoke glowingly about an expat group in Santiago. The group had its own clubhouse and had a great many activites. Apparently, this association no longer exists.
I'm always surprised that there are almost no organized groups for expats in almost all recommended cities.
Blogs aren't good enough. Being able to speak to people in person is very important. Going to noisy bars to seek out expats seems foolish.
While I'm still on my soapbox, I'll add that there is a more to know about a place, than how cheap it is to live there. I'd bet that most people who write about these expat heavens have never beeen there.
.

MDGringo
  4/3/2016 17:02 EST

Thanks for the replies...

KellyCannon
  6/5/2016 17:16 EST

Hi, Jason and Susanna,
Our family of 4 are starting the process of preparing to move to Chile. We are visiting in January to get the lay of the land. We are looking at Valdivia or Puerto Varas. How is it going for you? We would love any info you could provide!

MDGringo
  6/6/2016 08:37 EST

Going quite well, thanks for asking. Nice to meet you Kelly. We have not been as far south as those points yet; although we hope to get there on our next trip. Our trip is all booked and set up for late August - early September.

We quite enjoyed our stay last time. Have you been yet?

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KellyCannon
  6/6/2016 10:10 EST

We are planning a trip in January. I'm very excited. How did your first trip go? Did you find it extremely difficult to navigate and communicate? I know it seems crazy to pack up everything and move to another country to start a new life. Did you feel encouraged when you visited that with proper planning and research you could make the move?

MDGringo
  6/6/2016 11:16 EST

I have been researching this move in depth for 5+ years now. I have been studying Spanish for 2+ years now. We plan on making a total of at least 3 trips (1 down, 2 to go) before attempting a long stay/move.

My plan is to continue to work for US clients (I work independently as a Software Engineer), but I hope to eventually accumulate Chilean clients as well (as my Spanish improves).

My wife and I are looking at a part-time US/part-time Chile living arrangement to begin in the near term in about 2-3yrs. We might do a 50/50 split or a little more time in Chile than 50%. The whole time we would still be US Citizens and still have my business operating out of the US. If things go well in Chile (and/or if things get worse in the US), we could make the switch to Chilean citizenship and relocating the business to operate out of Chile and just briefly visit the US rather than live there at all.

On our first visit we were very pleased with the culture and the people of Chile generally, also the climate, the scenery, the marketplace, the standard of living and the low incidents of crime. We felt very safe everywhere we went at any time day or night.

I was able to order in restaurants, ask questions that a tourist might ask of people generally, and navigate the roads/signs/directions etc... My Spanish was not that great at that point for the first visit, but I am improving daily with practicing on Duolingo and on the weekends at the local hispanic center here speaking conversationally with native speakers. I have recently made a huge jump into near 100% listening capability. However, my speaking is not even 50% yet. And there are bound to be differences in the dialect (as there are no Chileans to speak with at the hispanic center). I will no doubt be able to improve speaking once there as the locals are very willing to speak with a rookie like me.

There were 4 negatives about Chile that jumped out at us as first-time visitors:
1) Litter
2) Graffiti
3) Stray Dogs
4) Pay Bathrooms

The first 3 issues are not unique to Chile (we in the US have pockets of this as well), but they were a problem everywhere we went there (so far we have been in more urban settings but also the spaces between). And the last issue actually makes sense given the first 3 issues, so that is not really a problem - the attendants keep stock and clean and keep the 1st 3 issues out of the bathrooms. And the first 3 are not nearly as bad as in some other countries in Central and South America. And the three issues are by no means deal-breakers for us just a difference in culture to be aware of. You will see a lot of bars in the forms of gates around properties. At first glance as an American, you think bad neighborhood, but this has nothing to do with violence/theft. This is a direct result of the the first three problems. You want to keep out the litter and graffiti and stray dogs from your home/business.

As far as preparing to actually making a final definite/permanent move, there are many things to research and determine for yourself such as Chilean gov't rules allowing permanent resident and/or citizenship, banking, property ownership, etc.... There are many websites/services that discuss these issues. I have studied these, and they went into our decision to choose Chile as our country of choice for transition away from the US in the long-term.

I am now hoping to set up a meeting with US expats in Chile on our next visit as a part of the ongoing research process.

Good Luck to you in your efforts!

KellyCannon
  6/7/2016 07:56 EST

Thank you so much for all the info. I really appreciate all your help. If you know of any specific websites that were very helpful to your family...please feel free to send them on!

MDGringo
  6/7/2016 11:14 EST

You have no doubt already googled and found these two sites that I referenced during my search...

http://escapeamericanow.info/resources/expatriates-to-chile/

http://ultimateguidetochile.com/expat/family-of-four-relocate-from-the-usa-to-chile-a-real-life-success-story/

And this one is very interesting to me in my field, but not sure if it translates to your circumstances..
http://startupchile.org/about/

And of course the Chilean embassy in DC...

http://chile.gob.cl/estados-unidos/en/

CaptainJT
  7/3/2016 09:38 EST

Before any of you do anything you should pay attention to what JerryinBA wrote!

Chile is a beautiful country, it reminds me of the western half of California. I spent 6 weeks here before, and, I came here to find a place where I would want to live permanently. I have traveled more than 12,000 kilometers all over Chile. I have seen more of Chile than most of the people who live here have ever seen. I have learned that Chile is far more expensive than the USA or Europe! The government is almost like in the USA except it is lazier.

I strongly suggest you visit the areas where you think you want to live before committing to moving there. For example, I loved the look of Puerto Varas and Valdivia during the summer. Actually, I loved the look of many locations in Chile. However, during the winter they are cold, damp and miserable. And, the one thing to really pay attention to with every city in Chile is the smoke! Chileans have some strange adversity to even the slightest cold spell, so they burn wood in their fireplaces and stoves to “warm” their houses. In the process they create so much smoke that you cannot breathe or see anything! The smog in Santiago is nothing compared to the smoke in almost every city in Chile during the winter.

Also, like Jerry wrote, be careful when dealing with expats in Chile and, I add, in other countries. Most of them are trying to make a living and are in reality trying to snooker you out of your money! I have been here for more than 3 months, been everywhere imaginable, met thousands of Chileans, a few expats, and, the most important lesson I have learned has been from Chileans, who repeatedly warn me not to trust Chileans because they say all Chileans are liars. Of course they are telling me this only because they plan to lie to me in order to get money from me and they think I will fall for their BS it they offer that silly “warning”. Most of the long term expats here have learned to be liars like the Chileans. I really do not fault them for that because when in Chile do as the Chileans do; otherwise and you will not survive!

Jerry wrote: “I'd bet that most people who write about these expat heavens have never been there.” I know from my first hand validating of Chile that most of the “expat heavens” are not there, most of the places you will be sent to do not exist, most of the people who you are supposed to meet are not there or do not want to be bothered by you. I promise you that you will spin your wheels for nothing in Chile. I know because I have done it. Fortunately I have the time and money to do whatever I want so I have fun traveling the world and validating things. Chile could be a land of opportunity except that no Chileans understand what “opportunity” means; that especially applies to the government. I have met many very important people here in Chile and they unanimously have told me they want to be a part of any of the businesses I want to start, but, warn me not to waste my time or talents in Chile. They suggested Panama first, and Nicaragua second. I have been to Panama and loved it. I will soon be in Panama again and visit Nicaragua to validate if they are the places I really want to be.

Bottom line: do not become committed to living in Chile until you have actually experienced it like I did. I can tell you the “best” places to live in Chile, and I can also tell you why I will not live there. The choice is yours. Make your choice intelligently.

I wish all of you the best.

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liewald
  7/3/2016 12:32 EST

Hi All
Very interesting thread.

I was born in Chile but lived abroad in different countries almost all my life, decided to return in 2012 after evaluating all relevant countries in Latin America.
After being here found that had much more in common with Expats than with Chileans and as mentioned above it was very hard to find reliable information, but this was my 6th major relocation although the first one completely on me, so decided to focus on the positive and make a little extra effort on improving the things around my family.
Since there was no expats organization in my city (the Greater Valparaiso) I created one, using the Internations.org platform, that connected me with the already 17 registered expats in the city and by organizing montlhy get togethers we have grown to more than 900 members from 0ver 40 countries, about 40% are global minded chileans.

After attending more than 40 monthly get togethers with Expats I know just a few that have had bad experiences more than a few that decided to live here but still complain about most of things and more importantly, a lot of very positive people, having a great time and enjoying their experiences here, the country is the same for all...

So, I'm currently starting a foundation to help International entrepreneurs relocate to our region. We are just finishing the learning process with our first family, relocating from the US, late last year, we learned from residence visas and bank accounts to creating a company and ways of solving all the issues that arose, including a baby that was born here.

Send me a message if you plan to come to Valparaíso, Viña del Mar or Villa Alemana.
Best

Walter

CaptainJT
  7/3/2016 15:32 EST

Since i found it virtually impossible to get a company started here I would love to hear what you have accomplished. I am now in Vina de Mar and expect to be here for a week or so while work is being done on my van. Call me 56 9 4663 8562

cesarolga48
  11/11/2016 22:05 EST

Im traveling to Chile on January, i start a sustainable community in Pencahue call Cerro del Angel. check the web page:

www.pencahue.farm

poetslair
  11/11/2016 22:47 EST

Thank you for the great information! My daughter, 23, and her husband, 28. are planning on going to Chile early next year with their two year old. My daughter wants to teach English as a second language. They have never been there and have the fantasy of falling in love and staying. They are selling their first home now after only a year and already hate being broke here! They just have no idea what they are in for, and they don't yet speak Spanish, though they know a little.

My daughter wants to live in a van, lol. I just don't see them being able to afford it. I will get my daughter to join this forum for sure!

encourager89503
  11/12/2016 10:07 EST

Please don't despair. ALL is MUCH better in Chile (especially northern Chile ~ Iquique). I have just returned from a week of an exploratory / investigative trip to Iquique. I have spent the past 8 years researching the entire world for a better place than the USA to retire. Iquique met every one of my objectives on paper and thru internet research resources. Before I made the BIG move, I had to check it out in person and verify everything with my own eyes and experiences. Everything has been confirmed and I'm in the process of selling most everything here in the USA and moving permanently to Iquique. The people of Iquique are warm and friendly, always with a smile, no angry frustration as you find in other South American countries, the environment is temperate year-round and VERY clean. Iquique is a main tourist area as well for vacationers from all over the world as well as from other areas of Chile (especially Santiago). The region couldn't be MORE exciting! The overall cost of living is about half of what it costs currently on the west coast of USA. What's NOT to LOVE? The entire country of Chile had their 4 year elections in October and most of the country is very conservative and looking to further improve their relations and economy with the rest of the world. Iquique is one of only TWO areas of Chile where there is a NO TAX ZONE (ZOFRI) over many square miles of shops for buying many international items, technology, perfumes, cars, etc to even keep overall cost of living even less if you live in Iquique. A taxi ride is only 600 Chilean Pesos (less than 90 cents US) anywhere in Iquique. The city population is about 200,000 (same as my current city of Reno, NV) and it is doubling in size within the next 5 years with many new construction condo complexes extending mainly southward from the city center. The building standards are the best in the world for earthquake-proof structures. Back in the 1980's the government established new building standards to assure earthquake safety. Any newer (since 1980) building in Chile is earthquake safe. The adopted standard by the United Nations for building safety. There is a paved bicycle path along the shore up to the city center. It is parallel but divided and safe from passing cars. Parallel to the bicycle path (ciclovia) is a separate walking path safe from both the ciclovia and the autos/bus traffic. There is NO violence in Chile as guns are only carried by the carabineros (national police) and the military. Iquique has a small military base in the Cavancha Beach area for further assurance of safety. The absolute clincher for me was that the democratic constitutional republic form of government works in Chile. Imagine, they even ENFORCE their laws! The country is 95% Roman Catholic, 4.5% other christian/protestant, and only 0.4% Islamic. There are only 2 Islamic mosques in all of Chile. Chile also enforces their borders to control immigration and preserve their paradise here in Chile. Spanish is not difficult to learn and if you have a smartphone, there is a voice translator app that enables you to learn and/or communicate even better from the start. You speak into the smartphone in English what you want to say and it immediately speaks back through the phone in Spanish (or you can select from any of 180 different languages). The education system has required for graduation from high school for the students to be bi-lingual (English and Spanish). Anyone under 30 years of age is bi-lingual. There is a huge demand for native English speakers to help in their "English Opens Borders" program to help those older than 30 years old to learn and communicate in English so that their world markets and businesses can expand to non-Spanish speaking countries. Again, what's NOT to LOVE? Hope to meet you in Iquique soon. If you'd like, I can send you my pictures and my research to help you in your decision. Steve

KellyCannon
  11/14/2016 21:25 EST

Coincidentally, we have almost the identical situation: family of 4, visiting in January to scope things out, same cities of interest (plus Talca and Concepción). Anyway, best of luck, and who knows, maybe we will end up in the same city!

KellyCannon
  11/14/2016 21:37 EST

I would LOVE to see any pictures and research you have on Iquique. In fact, we had not considered Iquique (favoring the southern areas) until we heard positive reviews. Now we are considering visiting. Thanks

encourager89503
  11/15/2016 10:54 EST

I have MANY pictures of Iquique. Please send me your email address so I can send them to you. I don't think that this site here will accommodate so many pictures. I have sent you already the most important research/statistics that I've gathered over the past 8 years of digging deep into my preferences for a place to retire in peace and comfort. Iquique stood out as the absolute BEST place in the entire world on my personal preferences list. May HE bless you in your search for the same.

KellyCannon
  11/15/2016 15:19 EST

Thanks for all the great info! [email protected]

encourager89503
  11/15/2016 15:56 EST

I hope that you received the pictures and research. If you don't have a fluency in Spanish yet, I found that my smartphone app for Voice Translator was an indispensable assist for my trip. The best app is from Ectaco here in the states.and it is called Speech Guard iTravel 2. All you need to do is select English to Spanish and speak into the smartphone in English and it instantaneously speaks back through the smartphone in Spanish or any of 180 other languages that you choose. You can also reverse the translator and have the one you are conversing with speak into the smartphone in Spanish and it instantaneously speaks back through the smartphone in English. I hope all goes well for you on your trip in January. Steve

fulloflife
  11/16/2016 02:33 EST

Encourager, what other countries have you been to that you were checking out for retiring?

encourager89503
  11/16/2016 10:20 EST

Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Portugal

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